“Negligible” is the lowest level of risk under OIE and indicates the U.S. has conducted thorough testing and surveillance in its domestic cattle herd.

OIE decides a nation’s risk status based on the steps the nation takes in managing BSE, such as a ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban, strong surveillance protocols and stringent import controls of animals and animal products from nations at risk of BSE, USDA notes.

The status change will not become final until the OIE’s General Assembly meeting in Paris, France in May, where it is expected to pass.

“I am very pleased with this decision and recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission. This is a significant achievement for the United States, American beef producers and businesses, and federal and state partners who work in coordination to maintain a system of three interlocking safeguards against BSE that protect our public and animal health. Being classified as negligible risk for BSE by the OIE will also greatly support our efforts to increase exports of U.S. beef and beef products,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “In recommending that the United States receive negligible risk classification, the Commission stated that the risk assessments submitted for their evaluation were robust and comprehensive, and that both our surveillance for, and safeguards against, BSE are strong. U.S. beef and beef products are of the highest quality, wholesome and produced to the highest safety standards in the world.”

The U.S. has several safeguards in place to prevent BSE, including removing risk materials from slaughtered animals, a ban on feeding animal products to other animals, and a strong surveillance program.